CLAWS OF FATE

Chapter Two: The Mask Slips"Lady Evangeline, how absolutely divine that you could grace us with your presence tonight."I smiled at the Beta's wife like she had just offered me the moon instead of stale compliments wrapped in fake sincerity. "The pleasure is entirely mine, Luna Catherine. Your reputation for hosting exquisite gatherings has reached even the northern territories. Everyone speaks of your impeccable taste."She preened visibly under the flattery, her diamond necklace catching the chandelier light as she gestured enthusiastically toward the ballroom. "You simply must try the champagne, my dear. It is imported directly from the finest French vineyards. No expense spared for tonight's celebration.""How incredibly thoughtful." I accepted the crystal flute from a passing server, letting my fingers brush his wrist casually. He did not even notice the tiny listening device I slipped from his tray into my palm with practiced ease. "I do so love French bubbles. They have such d

Chapter Four: ImprisonedZephyr's POV"This is impossible. Absolutely impossible."I paced the terrace like a caged animal, my hands shaking with the overwhelming need to break something, anything. The mate bond pulsed insistently under my skin like poison spreading through my veins, connecting me to the one person I should want dead more than anyone else in this entire world.The murderer's daughter.My fucking mate.Beta Thomas appeared silently at my shoulder, his expression carefully neutral in that way he had perfected over years of service. "Alpha? The guests are asking questions. Many questions. What should I tell them?""Handle them." I did not stop pacing. Could not stop. If I stood still for even a second, I might actually lose what was left of my rapidly crumbling sanity. "Tell them whatever you need to. I do not care.""And the woman? What should we do with her?""Seraphine." Her name tasted like ash and bitter memories. "Her name is Seraphine Blackthorne, and she is exact